The NCAA Division III No. 8-ranked Adrian College men's hockey team finished its third undefeated conference season in six years, defeating Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association foe Finlandia 2-0 on Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs increased their nation-best unbeaten streak to 15 games.

"I think it speaks about our consistency," Adrian College coach Ron Fogarty said. "The league has gotten better every year with schools putting more money into their hockey programs. It means a lot that we're still on top."

The win was anything by easy for Adrian College (21-1-3, 17-0-3 MCHA). The Bulldogs were entrenched in a deadlock with the Lions (7-18, 7-13) heading into the final minute of regulation.

The Bulldogs struck with 35 seconds left in the game. Andrew Dovey won a face-off for Adrian, knocking the puck out to a wide open Lukas Ciotti, who buried it in the Finlandia net to give Adrian a 1-0 lead.

The Bulldogs struck again just seconds later as Zach Graham, with an assist from Shawn Courtney, scored a empty netter after the Lions had pulled their goalie to try and tie the game.

The win allowed the Adrian seniors to go out on top, winning their last regular season home game.

"The guys really wanted to get this win for the seniors," said Fogarty. "We knew this was going to be a tough game. Finlandia is a good team and were fighting for their playoff lives. This was a great way for us to prepare for the postseason and give our four seniors a final big win."

Despite being held scoreless until the closing seconds of the game, the Bulldogs were in control for the majority of it. Adrian controlled the puck early and often, attacking the Finlandia net from multiple angles but only getting near misses. Every time it looked like the Bulldogs were finding an offensive rhythm, they were whistled for a penalty.

This was especially prominent in the first period with Adrian controlling the game from the opening face-off. The Bulldogs were quick and fluid early and seemed to be closing in on a goal, but back-to-back penalties forced them to kill a 5-on-3 Finlandia power play.

"We were shorthanded quite a few times in the first," Fogarty said. "It disrupted our four lines and affected our offense. When we were at full strength, we looked much better. We've been great all year when we can play 5-on-5."

Finlandia goalie Troy Chandler played well, making several impressive saves throughout the game. Not to be outdone, Adrian goalie James Hamby made a diving save late in the third period that brought the packed Arrington Ice Arena to its feet.

Adrian found success late in the third period, leading to the 2-0 victory.

Adrian have to wait to learn its next opponent. The Bulldogs have a first-round bye in the Harris Cup playoffs and will host the lowest remaining seed March 1 in the Harris Cup Four semifinals at Arrington Ice Arena.